Duchess of Cambridge becomes 'godmother' to cruise ship

The Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon to break the bottle of champagne against the ship for the naming of the Royal Princess. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge carried out her last solo engagement before the birth of her baby when she christened a cruise ship on Thursday.

The duchess, who is due to give birth in mid-July, flew to Southampton by helicopter for the naming of the Royal Princess, a 3,600-passenger liner.

As a result, she becomes the new liner's godmother, a symbolic position similar to a patron or sponsor that dates back to the mid-19th century when leading women were selected for the honour.

Princess Cruises has a history of illustrious godmothers for past ships, including Diana, Princess of Wales, who named the first Royal Princess in 1984, actors Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, and Lady Thatcher.

Lord Sterling, former chairman of P&O Cruises, who witnessed the ceremony said: "I remember when young Diana named her first cruise ship and she said she was quite nervous." He said of Kate's effort: "My biggest fear was that the baby would come early but we got through it without that happening."